Behavioral Health in the Community
The principal escorted Audrey, aged 13, an overweight
girl with long blonde braids into the rural middle school
nurse’s office. “Ms. Schmitz will help you, Audrey.” The
principal signaled for the girl to sit down and then
handed Ms. Schmitz, RN, a note and left. The note
bulleted three lines: “Disruptive, fighting, teacher
requests a home visit.”
Ms. Schmitz extended a wet facecloth while assessing
Audrey’s appearance. Audrey wiggled
on the wooden chair wearing torn and too small
clothing, tennis shoes with holes, and a full
backpack. “Place this on your eyes, and see if it helps.”
The crying child’s tongue poked out the
right side of her mouth and she swallowed several times
as she reached for the cloth. “Are you
hurt?” asked the nurse.
Audrey shook her head. “I have a sore throat though.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I wish
I were dead. I could jab a pencil in my eye and bleed to
death. That would fix them.”
“You sound pretty upset. Tell me what happened.”
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“Brian made fun of my tics. I can’t help it. I am so tired
of people laughing at me, my
clothes and my mother. I hit him with a book because
he wouldn’t stop. I bet he never thought I
would hit him. I am not a bully, Brian is.” A fresh bout of
sobbing doubled the girl in half.
The nurse read Audrey’s health record. Learning
disabilities, ADHD, Tourette’s disorder,
prenatal drug exposure, R. 20/80 and L. 20/100 vision,
a normal scoliosis screening, and free
lunch eligibility. The nurse searched for a telephone
number. “I need to call your mother.”
The school secretary said, “There is no phone. I can
give you the case worker’s contact.”
“Momma is sick,” said Audrey and swallowed. “She
won’t answer the door”.
1. What will be included in the school nurse’s
assessment plan?
2. What resources should be explored?
School Nurse's Assessment Plan
- Physical assessment: The school nurse should assess Audrey's physical health, including her vision, hearing, and overall development. She should also assess Audrey's mental health, including her mood, behavior, and thoughts.
- Social assessment: The school nurse should assess Audrey's social environment, including her family, friends, and school experiences. She should also assess Audrey's access to resources, such as food, clothing, and healthcare.
- Educational assessment: The school nurse should assess Audrey's educational needs, including her academic progress, learning style, and behavior in the classroom. She should also assess Audrey's access to special education services.
- Mental health resources: The school nurse can explore mental health resources in the community, such as counseling centers, support groups, and medication management programs.
- Educational resources: The school nurse can explore educational resources in the community, such as tutoring programs, after-school programs, and summer school programs.
- Social services resources: The school nurse can explore social services resources in the community, such as food banks, clothing closets, and homeless shelters.
- The school nurse should be aware of Audrey's rights as a student with a disability. These rights include the right to a free and appropriate education, the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- The school nurse should work with Audrey's parents or guardians to develop a plan to support her needs. This plan should include specific goals and strategies for addressing Audrey's physical, mental, social, and educational needs.
- The school nurse should collaborate with other school staff, such as teachers, counselors, and administrators, to create a supportive school environment for Audrey. This environment should be free from bullying and harassment, and it should be one where Audrey feels safe and respected.